– The Institute Recommends –

For our Leaders in Luxury guests who are arriving early or staying after the event, we have curated a list of eateries, lounges, and relaxing oases in the area for you to enjoy. If you have any questions about these or other options, give us a call at 214-485-3000. We are happy to recommend our favorite places in the city.

Restaurants

In the Crescent Court Complex

There are several great options within the Crescent Court complex to grab a bite or a drink with friends.

Moxie's Grill & Bar | Casual American | $$ | Club Tower, Level 1Moxie's Dallas offers both a casual and cultivated feeling, perfect for enjoying house-made dishes and hand crafted cocktails. Offering one of the best burger and beer experiences in Uptown Dallas, they feature locally-sourced beef and craft draft, in addition to globally inspired dishes. Visit moxies.com for more details.

Nobu | Upscale Japanese | $$$ | Hotel Building, Level 1Just off the Great Hall of Hotel Crescent Court sits Nobu, the world renowned Japanese restaurant recognized for pioneering a new style Japanese cuisine. Guests may linger in the cocktail lounge to watch chefs work their magic at the sushi bar, or enjoy their meal in the Rockwell Group designed dining room. Nobu’s Wine Room, Skylight Room and Outdoor Courtyard are also available for private functions. Visit noburestaurants.com for more details.

Shake Shack | Casual American | $ | Corner of Pearl Street and McKinney AvenueShake Shack is the perfect spot to kick back with a delicious ShackBurger and local beer in a park-like setting. In addition to the Shack classics, the menu features the Dallas-exclusive Link Burger and a selection of frozen treats created specifically for the Shake Shack at The Crescent. Visit shakeshack.com for more details.

Within a Short Walk

Uptown Dallas offers a wide variety of casual and upscale restaurants for all occasions and appetites. Here are a few of our suggestions that are within a ten minute walk of the venue.

Uchi | Upscale Sushi | $$$$ | 7 Minute WalkSleek destination offering a menu of modern Japanese cuisine, known for its cooked seafood and sushi. Visit uchidallas.com for more details.

Uber Worthy

When in Dallas, eat like the locals do. If you have some extra time and feel like exploring, here are some recommendations for essential Dallas restaurants that are just a quick Uber ride away.

The Blind Butcher | Casual Meatery | $$ | $6-8 UberX RideSince opening, The Blind Butcher has been one of Dallas’ most inventive and interesting restaurants. Now that they’ve long settled into a groove, Chef Oliver Sitrin is showing off what he can really do. In addition to regular Sunday dinner nights and the restaurant’s constantly-changing sausages, the charcuterie, beer selection, and (of course) poutine continue to make The Blind Butcher one of Dallas’ best eateries. Visit theblindbutcher.com for more details.

Boulevardier | Casual Bistro | $$ | $9-11 UberX RideFor many Dallasites, Boulevardier is always the answer to the “where are we going to brunch?” question. The restaurant’s take on legs and eggs is decidedly classier than the strip club version, and the selection of fresh oysters is always a solid choice. Don’t just limit Boulevardier to a brunch spot, though – classic French bistro fare and a massive, affordable wine selection makes dinner here a joy as well. Visit dallasboulevardier.com for more details.

Cafe Momentum | Casual American | $$ | $6-8 UberX RidePerpetual do-gooder Chad Houser and a team of chefs and interns are turning out excellent food in Downtown Dallas while changing lives. The serving staff that serves up whole-roasted cauliflower and and Moroccan seven-veggie couscous is comprised of at-risk juvenile offenders, all of whom are working toward a much brighter future. As the restaurant's motto says, you'll eat, you'll drink, and most importantly, you'll change lives when you dine at Cafe Momentum. Visit cafemomentum.org for more details.

Flora Street Cafe | Upscale Southwestern | $$$$ | $6-8 UberX RideChef Stephan Pyles' newest venture is a modernized take on his trademark Southwestern style. Pyles' serves up meticulously composed plates, like antelope in mole rojo and a braid of king salmon and sole served with huitlacoche and corn. Visit florastreet.com for more details.

FT33 | Trendy Fusion | $$$$ | $6-8 UberX RideMore than three years after opening, Matt McCallister’s FT33 is still Dallas’ most forward-thinking restaurant. McCallister’s creative plating is only the beginning of your culinary journey at FT33, especially if you indulge in the chef’s vegetable-focused and constantly changing tasting menu. Desserts from pastry chef Maggie Huff are decidedly worth saving room for. Visit ft33dallas.com for more details.

Gemma | Trendy Southern | $$$ | $6-8 UberX RideHenderson Ave might not remind you much of Napa, but a step inside Gemma instantly transports you to a breezier place. Dig into duck breast rubbed with Chinese five spice and piled atop duck confit fried rice, or poached octopus over freshly-made cavatelli, and pair with a glass of wine on tap. Visit gemmadallas.com for more details.

Lucia | Upscale Italian | $$$ | $9-11 UberX RideAfter more than four years, a table at Lucia is still one of Dallas’ toughest reservations. David and Jennifer Uygur’s tiny Italian restaurant in Bishop Arts serves the best Italian in town. The menu is constantly changing — think fresh pasta and seasonal produce — but standbys like the foie gras stuffed prunes and stellar charcuterie are reliable delicious. Visit luciadallas.com for more details.

Mesa | Trendy Mexican | $$$ | $9-12 UberX RideThere’s a reason that Jay-Z, Beyonce, Conan O’Brien, and just about every other celebrity who comes to Dallas makes their way to Mesa, the upscale coastal Mexican cuisine mecca in Oak Cliff. Try the ceviche, the lobster enchiladas, or the tropical salad with shrimp, but especially restaurant's stand-out mole sauce. Visit mesadallas.com for more details.

Pecan Lodge | Casual BBQ | $$ | $6-7 UberX RideEven after moving into its bigger Deep Ellum location, Pecan Lodge is still one of Dallas’ most popular restaurants. Barbecue lovers flock to stand in line at the restaurant at all hours in search of brisket and sausage and Pecan Lodge’s signature (and massive) beef rib. Don’t forget to save room for a bowl of banana pudding – the recipe comes from co-owner Diane Fourton’s grandmother, and the Boss Lady is serious about it being consistently top-notch. Visit pecanlodge.com for more details.

For more options, peruse Eater Dallas list of 38 essential local restaurants.

Spas

While the Hotel Crescent Court Spa is undergoing renovation, these tranquil escapes will provide a relaxing experience for you before or after the event. Be sure to make an appointment in advance.